NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Virginia Beach Soccer, LLC is the new owner of the Mariners

July 13, 2005 - USL First Division (USL-1) - Virginia Beach Mariners News Release


The sale of the Mariners, USL First Division Franchise to Virginia Beach Soccer, LLC was approved today by the United Soccer Leagues. The club's first match under the new ownership will be televised live on Fox Soccer Channel Friday night.

Virginia Beach Soccer, LLC will be led by Managing Directors Michael McCann, and Franklin Wiley. McCann has been involved in the game of Soccer both as a professional player, coach and "soccer Dad" for many years. Playing professional soccer in Australia, England and Holland and now the President of DaiEi Papers (USA), McCann brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and dedication to the Mariners. .

Wiley, President and CEO of Compass Investment Group, LLC with over 15 years experience in successful investment management and major business start-ups will focus on business and financial operations for the team.

"The Mariners, Virginia Beach's only professional sports team is proud to call the magnificent Sportsplex home.", said McCann. "The Mariners are important to not only our adult community, but our youth as well. The entertainment alternatives for our youth are not always positive and it is the responsibility of all of us to make the Mariners properly connect with our communities and to provide positive role models to our youth. This, along with a winning team, are our first priorities".

"We are a part of the community and our focus will be just that", said Frank Wiley. "The Mariners now have the financial stability to participate in the development of soccer in Virginia Beach. The City and its leaders made a commitment to the families of Virginia Beach when they built the Sportsplex. The Mariners are now in a position to contribute to that commitment and to offer the stability necessary to build the successful USL franchise that the citizens deserve. We look forward to working with the City of Virginia Beach, the business community and the soccer families of our region, particularly our youth."

• Discuss this story on the USL First Division message board...

USL First Division Stories from July 13, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Virginia Beach Mariners Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central